Downtown Manager – Program Director /Community Coordinator

Reports To:  The Director reports to the City Manager and supports the Development Authority and Main Street Program and serves as a Community Event Coordinator

Summary: The City of Lula is a Northeast Georgia community, with an evolving Development Authority, a Startup Main Street Program, and a community founded on its “History and Progress”.  The role of Director is vital to the economic development and revitalization of the City of Lula.  The position is responsible for supporting the Development Authority and Main Street Program/ Community Coordinator and assisting the City Manager to manage community development activities.

Major Duties: • Director works with the Development Authority and other authorities and organizations to attract new economic development and to support existing business in the city and historic downtown area.

o Acts as staff for the DA Board by assisting in the preparation of developmental plans and the scope and timing of specific projects pertaining to downtown revitalization.

o Provides day to day oversight of projects and programs in progress and development, acting as the representative of the city’s interest.  Reviews, maintains all financial and project data, ensures timeline and task execution of all projects. Pursues and develops grant opportunities at the direction of the City Manager and approval of the City Council.

• Coordinates Rental of City Facilities, approves, maintains facilities.

o Acts as downtown/district advocate.  Creates and maintains a cooperative working relationship with existing and new business owners/operators, residents and local agencies/ organizations.  Maintains and disseminates information pertaining to the district as a whole, specific projects, existing amenities, tax and financial inquiries, etc.

• Main Street Director coordinates activity within a downtown revitalization program, which utilizes historic preservation as an integral foundation for downtown economic development.

o Supports activity of Main Street Program committees, ensuring that communication between committees is well established; assist committees with development and implementation of work plan items. o Prepare all reports required by the coordinating Main Street Program and other key funders and administrators.

o Develop and conduct ongoing public awareness programs designed to enhance appreciation of the downtown businesses, to foster an understanding of the Main Street program’s goals and objectives, and to keep the program highly visible in the community.

• Community Coordinator is responsible for facilitating, promoting and ensuring community activity planning and development and negotiating and monitoring community initiatives in order to secure and monitor opportunities for community development.

o Secures grant funding for a variety of programs and initiatives and manages funds according to grant requirements.

o Research and provide recommendations on Community Development opportunities.

o Raise public awareness on issues relevant to the community

This Position is considered part-time employment and will be “hands on” working with the support of the Mayor Council, staff and community as we grow opportunities! It is reasonable to assume that the position will require a person who is flexible with their schedule, as work and or activities can be expected to be variable as to weekdays/ weekends, day and possible evenings events. This person must be available for continuing education with regard to this position, as provided by the city and other available resources.

Qualifications: and or related experience (desired)

• Education or Graduate of a four-year college or university.

o Major coursework in business, marketing, public administration, planning or a field related to downtown development.

• Experience with economic development and/or Main Street preferred, but not required
• Skills and Abilities o Use of computer systems and all Microsoft applications (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher) and Adobe Acrobat. o Knowledge of budgeting and financial management, particularly government financing.

o Practical experience in managing an organization, including marketing, recruitment, retention, planning, design, etc.

o Strong verbal and written communication skills.

o Strong technical writing skills are required for grant writing.

o Superior verbal and written communication skills.

o Knowledge of effective marketing, public relations, and social media strategies. o Self-motivated and organized. o Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with elected officials, city employees, business owners, residents, boards and commissions, and the general- public.

Person Interested in this opportunity should submit their resume to City of Lula, P O Box 99, Lula Georgia 30554 or email to dennis.bergin@cityoflula.com